A motorcycle tire date code is the last four digits of the DOT number molded into the sidewall. The first two digits are the week and the last two are the year the tire was made, so 2223 means the 22nd week of 2023. Tires age from that date, not from the day you bought or mounted them, and tires that are old can be unsafe even if the tread looks fine.
How to find the date code on a motorcycle tire
Look at the sidewall for the letters DOT. Next to them is a string of letters and numbers called the Tire Identification Number (TIN). The date is the last four digits of that string.
On motorcycle tires, the DOT number can be on only one sidewall, and it may be on the inside face if you're looking at a mounted tire. If you can't see it:
- Put the bike on a stand so you can rotate the wheel.
- Check the other side of the tire and near the rim.
- Use a flashlight and a rag. The numbers are raised, small and often dusty.
- If it's still hidden, a shop can read it when the wheel is off.
Sometimes the full DOT string is only on one side and the opposite side shows a partial code. The date digits will be in the full one.
How to read the date: week and year
NHTSA explains that the last four digits of the TIN tell you the week and year of manufacture. Michelin gives the same format: the first two digits are the week, the last two are the year.
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 0308 | 3rd week of 2008 |
| 1922 | 19th week of 2022 |
| 4524 | 45th week of 2024 |
| 0125 | 1st week of 2025 |
Do the math against today's date. A tire made in the 40th week of 2020 turned six years old around the beginning of October 2026.
What about three-digit codes?
Tires made before 2000 used three digits, and a tire with a three-digit date code is far too old to use. Replace it.
When are motorcycle tires too old?
There's no single legal expiration date, and manufacturers differ. These are the published points of reference:
| Source | What it says |
|---|---|
| NHTSA | Some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires six to ten years old, regardless of treadwear |
| Michelin (motorcycle) | Tires not replaced after ten years should be changed, even if they look good; after five years of use, have a professional inspect them every year |
Rubber ages through heat, sunlight, ozone, flexing and time. NHTSA describes aging as the rubber and other components in a tire changing over time through service, storage and environmental conditions. A tire sitting in a garage still ages, though not as fast as one that's ridden hard in the sun.
Michelin also points out that a tire can sit on a shelf for a year or two before purchase, and that counts toward its age. That's why you should check the date code on new tires before they're mounted.
A practical rule of thumb
- Under 5 years: Fine if it passes inspection.
- 5 to 7 years: Inspect carefully, and get a professional opinion each year.
- 7 years and up: Consider replacement, especially if you ride fast, carry loads or ride in rain.
- 10 years: Replace. Don't ride.
These are cautious guidelines, not guarantees, and manufacturer advice for your tire comes first. If your riding is mostly short, low-speed trips, you may keep tires toward the long end, but keep inspecting them.
Signs a tire is aged out, whatever the date
Replace a tire if you see any of these, regardless of age:
- Cracks in the sidewall or tread grooves
- Bulges, bubbles or cuts
- Hardened, shiny or dry-looking rubber
- Uneven or irregular wear
- Tread at or below the wear indicators
- Persistent slow air loss
NHTSA lists physical damage such as cuts, cracks and bulges, as well as irregular wear and worn-down tread, as reasons to stop using a tire. Our guide to choosing motorcycle tires for your riding style helps once you're shopping.
Why old tires are risky on a motorcycle
A motorcycle has two small contact patches. When rubber hardens, grip falls, particularly in the cold or wet. Older tires can also be more prone to cracking or failure under load. Grip loss on a bike usually means a lowside or highside crash, not a controllable slide.
If you ride a bike that's been stored, check the tires before you ride. The same goes after a long layup. Our guide to winterizing and de-winterizing a motorcycle covers storage and spring checks, and our motorcycle tire pressure guide covers the other half of tire safety.
Does a low-mileage tire last longer?
Mileage and age are separate clocks. Michelin's ten-year point applies regardless of mileage, and NHTSA's six-to-ten-year note applies regardless of treadwear. A tire with deep tread can still be unsafe if the rubber has aged, so look at both.
Storing tires and spare wheels
If you keep spare tires or wheels, store them away from sunlight, heat, electric motors and chemicals, and keep them clean and dry. Storage slows aging a little but doesn't stop it. The date code still counts from the manufacture date, not the day you put the tire in a box.
Quick checklist before you ride an older bike
- Find the DOT code on both tires and write down the dates.
- Look for cracks, bulges, cuts and flat spots.
- Check pressure cold, using the figure on the bike or in the manual.
- Press a thumbnail lightly on the shoulder of the tire. If the rubber feels hard and glassy, treat it as aged.
- Take it to a shop if you have any doubt.
Buying a used motorcycle? Check the date code
A used bike with fresh-looking tread and 8-year-old tires is a hidden expense. Add the cost of new tires to your offer if needed. Our used motorcycle pre-purchase inspection checklist includes tires, and our motorcycle tire replacement cost guide will help you budget.
How much does it cost to replace aging tires?
Costs vary by bike, region and shop. As a general idea, a pair of motorcycle tires with mounting and balancing often lands in the few-hundred-dollar range, and premium sport or touring tires can cost more. Rim size, tire type and whether the wheels must be removed all affect it. Ask for the total out-the-door price, including mounting, balancing, valve stems and disposal.
When to see a mechanic
Take the bike to a tire specialist if:
- You can't find or read the date code
- The tire is over five years old and you're unsure about its condition
- You see cracking, bulges or cord showing
- The bike pulls, wobbles or vibrates at speed
- The tire was exposed to oil, fuel or chemicals. See motorcycle leaking oil: how to find the source
Browse motorcycle tire shops, or look at local examples such as motorcycle repair in Brooklyn.
Frequently asked questions
How old is too old for motorcycle tires?
Michelin says tires not yet replaced after ten years should be changed, and NHTSA notes some manufacturers recommend replacement at six to ten years regardless of tread. Many riders and shops replace sooner, especially on high-performance or heavily loaded bikes.
Is the date code the same as the expiration date?
No. The date code only shows when the tire was made. There is no legal expiration date printed on it, so you decide when to replace it using age, condition and the manufacturer's advice.
Can I buy old new tires from a shop?
You can, and a tire can sit on the shelf for a year or two before sale. Check the date code before you pay. Tires that old but unused still count their age, so many riders ask for fresher stock.
What if my tire has a three-digit date code?
Three-digit codes were used on tires made before the year 2000, and any such tire is far too old to ride. Replace it.